For some years prior to
World War II the foundry was engaged by the War Department to produce Tanks and
other Munitions as well as Torpedo's and Gun Mechanisms for the Admiralty.
Evidence of this is shown in the locomotive order book with the tail off in
orders from 1937 through to 1943 when full production of locomotives resumed
with an order for 390 Austerity 2-8-0 for the Ministry of Supply. A similar tail off
in large scale munitions manufacture was seen at the nearby Risley Royal Ordnance
factory which dropped down to 1 shift in 1943 from round the clock working as by
this time Britain was stuffed full of munitions.

A small selection of
Photographs are shown below

Matilda tanks being assembled in the locomotive
erection shop

King George VI and the Queen Mother
walking past a Matilda tank
with chalked greeting during a tour of the Vulcan Foundry

Matilda Tanks were tested on works land to
the rear of the foundry

Matilda Tanks in action in North Africa 1944

A Prime Target for the Luftwaffe
along with the Wagon Works

Mk 2 'Matilda' Tank being driven through
Vulcan Village to the testing ground.